Church-Led Program Aims to Break the Cycle
Pennsylvania has one of the highest recidivism rates in the U.S., with over 50% of formerly incarcerated people rearrested or reincarcerated. In response, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Scranton is launching Cypress House Bakery, a job-training program designed to give formerly incarcerated individuals a second chance. The initiative will provide culinary training, mentorship, and community support to help participants find employment and stability.
Skill Development and Financial Support
The six-month program will train up to eight students at a time, in two cohorts: daytime and nighttime. Participants will learn baking, food safety, and business skills for 20 hours per week. They will also receive hourly stipends and earn a Pennsylvania Food Handler Certificate. The program is designed not just to teach but also to support students throughout their training.
Inspired by National Models, Rooted in Local Need
Plans for Cypress House began in 2015 when the congregation sought to repurpose an underused building. Inspired by Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, which helps rehabilitate former gang members through job training and support, the church committed to creating a similar model. After delays caused by the pandemic, construction resumed in 2022. A $50,000 United Thank Offering grant helped complete the project, which will now operate as a Homeboy Industries affiliate.
Support Services and Community Integration
The Pennsylvania State Transition Reentry Incentive Validating Endeavors program will help recruit students. Cypress House also partners with local businesses to provide job placement, and students will have access to wraparound services such as résumé assistance and trauma support. Organizers believe combining job training with emotional and social care will provide lasting change.
Support and Criticism Surround the Launch
Supporters say Cypress House offers dignity, hope, and real opportunities for people often excluded from society. Rev. Tyler Parry emphasized the importance of treating former inmates as whole human beings. However, critics question whether such small-scale efforts can make a meaningful dent in statewide recidivism. Others worry about long-term funding and scalability.
Source:
Episcopal church to launch bakery training program for formerly incarcerated people
Photo by Kari Shea on Unsplash
About Post Author
